Visual inspection of the city’s sewer lines will cost $121,241.

The city’s Water and Sewer Committee met to consider a request from Water Department director Ricky Morton to purchase sewer inspection equipment from Sourcewell.

“This will replace our current, outdated, half-broken equipment,” said Morton. “What this does will show us if we have breaks, roots or anything that would allow for inflow infiltration into the system. It helps us find those areas. It’s crucial that we get this. If I could get this approved, I would appreciate it.”

The state bid from Sourcewell was for $121,241. 

Earmarked within the department’s fiscal year budget was $125,000. 

Mayor Ben Newman asked, “Have you talked with Tim Pelham at West Warren about the equipment they are purchasing?”

“We have,” said Morton. “They are purchasing some metering equipment. He reached out to me to maybe loan one of our guys to train them on the equipment. It’s a flow monitor.”

Newman says they are also purchasing sewer inspection equipment.

“I think,” he said, “from manhole to manhole, they fill it up, pressurize it and then they charge it with electricity. They can tell where the water is coming out. I think you can use a camera in conjunction with it. If we buy this, maybe we can share equipment.”

Morton says the two departments have always worked well together when it comes to mutual aid. 

Committee members approved the purchase. The measure will be sent to the Board of Mayor and Aldermen for consideration.